What do you think about the international response to the earthquake in New Zealand? And what do you think is the best course of action for anyone wanting to help?

It is helpful.

Donate money.

There is always a possibility that too many well-meaning people will descend on Christchurch to help and just get in each other's way. Even some rescue teams may stand by idly, unless there is heavy machinery to do the clearing work first.

For "ordinary" people, I think the best thing to do is wait. Certainly donate money through reputable organizations. After that, I would like to see more companies get involved and donate whatever is needed in terms of food, bottled water and medical supplies, free cell phones, computers, accommodation and so on for the initial rebuilding period.

Good

Send money

I hope the world repays the favor as Japan is due for one. Swallow your pride and let them help but that is a long shot here (face). I have paid my earthquake premiums for years and waiting to get hit... and like you I pay huge taxes and support the US plans to have ships and the carrier help out. I donated $100 to Red Cross NZ today...

Best methods to help.

Donate Money, Blankets, Tents, Clothes, etc.

If you re close to the quake, try to take people in, organise events for the survivors, etc.

The resposnse has been remarkable and all NZers as am i will be very grateful, without the international help this disaster could have been much worse for those in christchurch suffering the effects.

They say the best way to help is to donate money or spend money in NZ to help the economy.

Listen to NZ online and learn how they are helping and coping.

Go to the url for dubya-dubya-dubya dot radionz dot co dot nz slash audio slash live slash national slash adaptive dot asx

sheesh

internet radio from New Zealand, doing a great job reporting and getting information out.

I agree, listening is the best thing you can do. Radio NZ has great podcasts, especially on "Morning Report", listening to them gives you a great idea of the real situation in Chch at the moment.

I must say international responce is usually Good like when katrina hit. SO i feel obligated to Help others, Most countries help each other. More supplies are needed Money is good but not sure if it will get into the wrong hands. sometimes after money is givin (Haiti) people ask wheres all the Money? because it seems like hardly anything was giving because people still without Much Food or water.

Definitely the best course of action - as our PM Ms.Gillard stated yesterday - is to visit NZ in the future and support them that way. As an Aussie, I'm ashamed that I've never been to EnZed...but will be rectifying that hopefully this year!

My heart goes out to all those who have been affected economically, physically and emotionally in this tragedy and hope that the social media does unify people in a positive manner around this situation and continue to spread accurate and reliable information on a global scale. What we do now to help the people is up to us. There are numerous ways to assist by donating to legitimate organizations and even banks in New Zealand. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch. Godspeed the valiant rescuers.

The best way anyone can help, especially from outside New Zealand would be to send money to the Red Cross. I believe that they have funds set up for Christchurch worldwide.

The international response, particularly from Austl and some in Asia have been tremendous. The devastation and the loss however was physically insurmountable. $15-18B in insurance costs?

News about the looting and law-and-order post the quake were shocking though, it's esp. sad to hear that some of the looters were from Australia :(

It is helpful. Donate money.

Donations should go to legitimate charity sites, heard some online scams the other day. Be careful!

To tell you the truth, I really didn't know they were asking for donations. Maybe I didn't read the correct papers (CNN and JT) because I don't recall seeing anything about that. Good luck to the survivors and my condolences to families and friends of the dead.

NZ Red Cross

Actually, seesaw is supposedly a woman. A bitter, angry, sad woman who is jealous of Japanese women.** Men don't like you or want you seesaw - so you will have to do what you do best - F* YOURSELF.

Moderator, please post the NZ Red Cross website for donations.

http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

Moderator, please post the NZ Red Cross website for donations.

Good point.

LATEST: "It is estimated 62,500 people are still without water, 100,000 have no sewerage services, and 30,000 homes are without power. "